Should I Reclass or Take a Gap Year?

College soccer recruitment is a competitive game of timing and exposure that extends beyond what happens on the field.

For aspiring collegiate players, the question of whether to reclassify (repeat a grade) or take a gap year can be the difference between landing on your dream team or settling for less than your potential.

Reclassifying: The Development Route

Reclassifying essentially means repeating a grade, giving you an extra year in your high school career. This path offers several distinct advantages for soccer players.

Benefits of Reclassifying:

• Physical Development: That additional year allows your body to mature further, adding strength and speed
• Competitive Edge: You’ll compete against players technically in your grade but younger than you
• Academic Improvement: An extra year to boost your GPA and possibly take more challenging courses

The physical development benefits can’t be overstated. That additional year allows your body to mature further, giving you time to add strength, speed, and stamina—all crucial attributes college coaches look for.

“When coaches see two equally skilled players, they’ll almost always take the more physically developed one,” explains Tom Durkin, former collegiate and professional coach. “That extra year can be transformative for late bloomers.”

Potential Drawbacks:

• Not all schools allow reclassifying
• Delays college entry by a full year
• May not be necessary if you’re already physically mature

The Gap Year: Extending Your Recruitment Window

Taking a gap year after high school graduation offers different strategic advantages.

Gap Year Advantages:

• Provides another complete recruiting cycle if you haven’t received desired offers
• Allows more time for exposure at ID camps, showcases, and tournaments
• Opportunity to play in higher-level leagues (MLS Next, UPSL, USL Academy)

If you haven’t received offers from your target schools, a post-graduate year—typically spent at a prep school or playing with an elite club—gives you another complete recruiting cycle to get noticed.

During this time, you can significantly increase your exposure by attending ID camps, participating in showcases, and playing in high-profile tournaments that college coaches regularly scout.

Gap Year Considerations:

• Can be expensive, especially at prep schools
• Requires careful planning to maintain NCAA eligibility
• May delay academic and career progression

Making the Right Choice for Your Situation

Your current development trajectory should guide your decision:

Consider Reclassifying If:

• You’re physically behind peers in your age group
• Your academic record needs strengthening
• You need more technical development time

Consider a Gap Year If:

• You’re physically developed but need more exposure
• You want to play at a higher competitive level before college
• You need more time for colleges to notice your potential

Players already competing in premier leagues like MLS Next or ECNL who are receiving interest from college programs might be better served staying their current course.

Taking Action: Next Steps

Before making this significant decision:

Action Items:

• Consult with current coaches and other mentors (trainers, Academy Directors, etc.) about your development trajectory
• Reach out to college coaches for feedback on your skills and development needs
• Review NCAA eligibility requirements to ensure your academic performance aligns

The path to college soccer isn’t one-size-fits-all. By strategically considering these timing options and aligning them with your unique development needs, you can maximize your chances of playing at the collegiate level that best matches your potential!